Surrey Antiques Fair inspected for illegal endangered species

Officers from Surrey Police, the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit and the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) took part in a joint operation on 31/07/2018 when they visited Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Park Racecourse. The aim of the operation was to ensure that any traders dealing in endangered species and their derivatives were complying with the relevant legal requirements.

Previous intelligence suggested that some dealers had been selling items made from or containing endangered species without the required permits.

The officers found that the majority of dealers that were selling such items were trading lawfully. However, officers seized a Sawfish rostrum and three whale teeth for further investigation.

Head of the NWCU, Chief Inspector Louise Hubble said, “Today’s operation was a great success and we were encouraged to find that the majority of dealers were trading lawfully. However, anybody who chooses to deal in endangered species outside the law must realise that they run the real risk of being brought before the courts”.